Iraqi forces safeguard polling sites against attacks

Photo By Spc. Lester Colley | BAGHDAD -- Two Iraqi citizens show proof that they voted in the Dec. 15 election in west Baghdad Dec. 15. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Lester Colley)  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

12.15.2005

Courtesy Story

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Task Force Baghdad PAO

BAGHDAD --As Iraqi citizens continued to stream into polling sites to vote in the historic national elections, Iraqi Security Forces protected voters against attempted terrorist attacks.

Small-scale, sporadic terrorist attacks continued throughout the morning, but caused no serious injury or significant damage.

Iraqi Army officials reported two 127-millimeter rocket impacts in central of Baghdad around 9 a.m. One rocket landed behind a polling station, which was temporarily closed as Iraqi Army Soldiers assessed the site. Three Iraqi civilians were wounded in the terrorist attack.

Task Force Baghdad Military Police in east Baghdad reported two mortar rounds impacted near an Iraqi Police station shortly after 9 a.m. Military officials reported that voting at the polling sites in the area continued undisturbed. There were no casualties in the attack. Military Police detained an individual driving in the area who had a fake identification card.

Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq officials reported three armed terrorists harassed voters at four different Sadr City polling stations. An IP emergency response team and Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division quickly arrived on the scene but the armed men had already dispersed.

U.S. Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment in southwest Baghdad found an improvised explosive device which conducting a patrol. An explosive ordnance disposal team later destroyed the homemade bomb.

Throughout the day, Iraqi Police and Iraqi Army Soldiers maintained a secure environment for Iraqi citizens heading to the polls. Coalition Forces continued to maintain their role in perimeter security operations.

Iraqi elections

• Date Taken: 12.15.2005
• Date Posted: 12.15.2005 15:46
• Story ID: 4107
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ